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A Softer Image/Lara Swanson Photography provides nontraditional photography services to the Washington, DC Metro area. Lara Swanson has photographed everything from maternity portraits to weddings to trash the dress sessions and everything in between. She specializes in working with couples that are taking an alternative approach to their wedding day. Lara has been featured in the Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Bridal Guide, Bridezilla.com and much more.

Visit the Nontraditional, Offbeat, and Alternative Wedding Photography Blog

Member of the WPPI, NAPP and the Better Business Bureau.

50% off Portrait Session if booked on contract   Posted By: Lara Swanson Photography When you book your wedding/union with A Softer Image, don't forget to include a portrait session! This can be anythin... (more) Applies to Photography

Katie Moser Wedding Coordinator	I had the pleasure of working with Lara and Brad at an outdoor wedding in Southern Lancaster County on June 9th, 2007. We had some challenges, including a sunny and windy day, but Lara and Brad still got great shots. They were low-key and friendly and made the wedding party feel comfortable. I was really impressed with the speed that they took pictures. We actually had extra time for the couple to have a private moment by the pool before they greeted guests at the reception. That's the first time that group photos didn't wreck my timeline! I was concerned that maybe we were sacrificing quality for speed, but after viewing the photos online today, I can say that they got plenty of formal and candid shots. They even suggested the couple visit a nearby carnival as they left the wedding and got some cute shots with carnival games and fireworks in the background, how creative! The photos were ready to view online quickly and it was easy to view and order pictures online. I would readily recommend a Softer Image Photography for any type of photography. They were friendly, professional, and got great results!
Wish Special Events	Working with Lara is a pleasure! She is a top-notch professional but also has a quirky side that allows her to see the creative details at weddings and capture unique images. She has a wonderful personality which makes our couples feel at-ease through the big day. I can't tell you how important it is! We always recommend Lara to our clients and give her every high compliment we can!
Exceeding Expectations Wedding & Event Mgmt	AMAZING! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Lara Swanson. I had the pleasure of working with Lara in June 2008. Lara and her staff were very pleasant, and easy to work with, and we barely knew they were there. They were able to deliver incredible shots from different points a view, which gave our clients a variety and amazing photos to choose from. I highly recommend Lara Swanson Photography if you are looking for perfection, attention to detail, and wonderful energy on your day.

What kind of equipment do you use?
I use a Canon 20D camera with a 580EX flash. All my equipment is digital, so you can receive all of the images I take on a high-resolution disc. If you would like me to use film, I use a Pentax K1000. However, I can recreate film-like images using my digital camera, and we have more options with digital images.

What is your photography education?
Upon graduation in May, I will have a BA in Visual Media and a BA in Philosophy, both from American University. I also spent a semester abroad attending FAMU,
the international film and photography school in Prague, Czech Republic.

Will I be able to print the photos myself?
Yes! I will send you a disc of all of the high-resolution images from your wedding so that you can take them to your nearest photo printer, such as Target or CVS, and print them yourself. If you’d rather print them through my services, that’s fine, too. I still think everyone should have the option.

Can my guests see the photos?
Absolutely. I will upload the photos to my proofs site so that you can share the link with your friends and family. Everyone has the ability to order prints through that site, too.

Could you give Uncle Frank more hair?
I’d be more than happy to retouch up to 10 images for you, whether it be color-correcting socks, closed eyes or other retouching. We can also put special filters on the photos - let’s talk more about that if you’re interested!

If it’s a rainy day, bring along a huge black umbrella (even as a just-in-case!). Some of the most beautiful pictures are taken in the rain, when colors become more saturated and the rain blurs distracting background elements.

Use a photographer you feel comfortable with. Price is important, but trusting your photographer is even more important. When you look through portfolios, get a feel for what the photographer's style and perspective is, but also try to get a sense of who that photographer is as a person. After all, you're putting a huge amount of responsibility on your photographer, and you should feel 100% comfortable with your decision.

When you ask what kind of photography style someone shoots with, ask to see examples. What they mean by "photojournalistic" and what you mean could be two totally separate things (particularly as everyone is beginning to use the phrase). Ask to see a range of styles, and always feel comfortable showing images you've seen and like so that your photographer can get a sense of it.